Best of Devon and Cornwall

from

£

1105

A Cornwall Escorted Coach Tour – Discover England’s sunny South West and the charming counties of Devon and Cornwall. Enjoy the region’s distinct landscapes including the dramatic Devonshire moors and the seascapes and craggy coastlines of the Cornish Peninsular. Along the way you’ll see historic sites and charming towns including the Regency city of Bath, Plymouth’s Mayflower Steps and Salisbury. Undoubted highlights include Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, the Roman Baths and Longleat House.

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Departing London, we make a short drive to Royal Windsor to enjoy free time to explore the historic town or visit the magnificent Windsor Castle, the largest inhabited fortress in Europe. We then continue to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath to admire the regency architecture such as the elegant Pulteney Bridge and Royal Crescent. Then experience 2000 years of history on a visit to the magnificently preserved Roman Baths, from which the city takes its name. On arrival in Bristol your orientation includes views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge and Brunel's SS Great Britain, the world's first ocean-going, propeller driven iron ship.

Overnight: Hilton Garden Inn, Bristol

Meals: Welcome reception dinner included

Day 2 Longleat Stately Home and Lacock Village

Today we take an excursion from Bristol to nearby attractions; a scenic drive through the Somerset hills brings us to Longleat House where we enjoy a cultural insight into English heritage on a guided tour through the magnificent stately manor. Currently home to the 7th Marquess of Bath, Longleat is set within stunning ‘Capability' Brown landscaped parkland and contains priceless antiques. We then continue to the village of Lacock; home to stunningly preserved honey-coloured stone cottages and 15th century inns the village has been used in TV and film productions such as 'Pride & Prejudice' and 'Harry Potter' amongst others.

Overnight: Hilton Garden Inn, Bristol

Meals: Breakfast included

Day 3 Exmoor National Park and North Devon

This morning we head South through the Somerset Hills and in to scenic North Devon; we pause in the medieval village of Dunster home to picturesque thatched cottages amongst more than 200 listed historic buildings which includes the 17th century yarn market which is where wool and cloth were once traded. We then pass through the unique landscape of Exmoor National Park with its barren moorlands, wooded hills, valleys and coastline. We’ll enjoy a lunch stop in the charming Devonshire village of Lynmouth where you may consider a ride on the famous water-powered funicular cliff lift. Later we continue to the historic port town of Bideford located on the estuary of the River Torridge.

Overnight: Durrant House Hotel, Bideford

Meals: Breakfast included

Day 4 Tintagel, the North Cornish Coast and Exeter

Today we drive along the north Cornish coast and stop to enjoy views of the ruined Tintagel Castle steeped in mystery and legend and reputedly the birthplace of King Arthur. We then enjoy a light Be My Guest lunch on a working farm with views over nearby Bodmin Moor. Continuing South, we make our way to Devon’s principle city, Exeter; here we enjoy an entirely unique experience with a special private performance from the local choir; hear the Gregorian chants in the candlelit St Martin's Church before an evening free to explore Exeter at leisure from your centrally located hotel

Overnight: Mercure Southgate Hotel, Exeter

Meals: Breakfast and lunch included

Day 5 Cornwall Excursion: Plymouth, St Ives and Dartmoor

Today we set off for a full day to explore picturesque county of Cornwall and the Cornish Peninsula. Our first stop is the maritime city of Plymouth where we view the historical Mayflower Steps. Then onwards along the Cornish coast, famous for smugglers' coves and quaint fishing villages which we’ll spot on the way to St. Ives, a popular resort with artists and tourists and home to one of only two Tate Galleries outside of London. We enjoy stunning views of the tidal island at St. Michael's Mount near Penzance before returning north through the barren Dartmoor National Park where wild ponies roam the hillsides - here we enjoy a Farewell Dinner with our travel companions in a traditional pub.

Overnight: Mercure Southgate Hotel, Exeter

Meals: Breakfast and farewell dinner included

Day 6 Stonehenge and Salisbury

Returning East, we travel to rural Wiltshire where we visit the mystical ancient monoliths of Stonehenge high up on the Salisbury Plain - we explore the history and mystery of the site in the visitor centre before making our way to see the stones themselves. Then onward to nearby Salisbury, a charming historic city whose Cathedral was famously painted by John Constable, has the tallest spire in England and houses Europe’s oldest working clock. Later return to London where your memorable trip comes to an end.

*Journey times and distances are estimates and are based on the direct route between the start location and end location for each day of the itinerary, where applicable. They do not include detours or stops for sightseeing.

Sightseeing highlights

Visit Royal Windsor, the Roman Baths in Bath, stately Longleat House in Warminster and quaint Lacock Village, the ancient seaport of Bideford, the picturesque artists' colony of St. Ives, the ancient stone circle at Stonehenge, and John Constables’ Salisbury.

Optional extras

Your tour already includes a comprehensive sightseeing program however some additional excursions may be available to enhance your trip further - these are fully optional and bookable during your tour.